The University of Southern California (USC) is actively seeking a full-time Clinical Outreach Specialist for a clinical research support and educational program, the USC+CHLA Alpha Clinic (AC). This program is part of a network of 9 Alpha Clinics across the state of California funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The purpose of this network is to help advance and support gene and cell therapy clinical trials.
The successful candidate will lead engagement of community clinics and care organizations for the AC to promote awareness of and patient access to clinical trials testing new cell and gene therapies for a variety of conditions and diseases.The candidate will be responsible for conceptualizing and coordinating outreach and education regarding cell and gene therapy trials tailored to community clinic providers, healthcare providers, and other health related organizations. Furthermore, the candidate will lead a California-wide Alpha Clinic Network Inivitative with focus on enhancing clinical trial access to patients. The overall goal will be to promote an understanding of the AC program and help increase access to cell and gene therapies and related clinical trials.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced individual with a strong background in healthcare and clinical trials, who is also experienced in engaging with the healthcare system, including community clinics that serve diverse communities in the greater LA area.
The USC+CHLA Alpha Clinic
USC and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) are partnering on this exciting new program to promote clinical trials for novel cell and gene therapies to treat a variety of human diseases. The AC is the cornerstone of that program. It has a four-part mission to:
(a) advance and support clinical trials and therapeutic development for cell and gene therapies; (b) engage diverse and under-served communities in those trials and the resulting therapies; (c) provide training and education to researchers, staff, patients, and communities; and (d) exchange novel expertise with other AC network sites through lead offerings.The AC supports and accelerates pre-award planning and protocol development, IND submissions, clinical trial activation, trial conduct, community participation in clinical trials, data analysis, and reporting.The Clinical Outreach Specialist will play a critical role in the success of the AC by effectively engaging with community clinic providers, healthcare providers, and other health related organizations serving diverse communities of Los Angeles to promote an understanding of cell and gene therapies and to facilitate participation of underrepresented populations in cell and gene therapy clinical trials.
Job Accountabilities
The successful candidate will be part of the AC team at USC and CHLA working to accomplish the following to support cell and gene clinical trials:
Oversee the development and implementation of educational programs, related research activities and continuing professional education around cell and gene therapy trials with a focus on healthcare providers and other clinic staff. Lead a California-wide AC Network community engagement inivitative with focus on enhancing clinical trial access to patients. Manage outreach activities focusing on community clinics and healthcare providers. Ensure effective and continuous communication with healthcare staff. Serve as a liaison between USC and CHLA research teams conducting clinical trials as well as community healthcare providers and patients. Develop and distribute promotional materials (e.g. flyers, brochures, newsletters, blog and social media posts) to increase event awareness and community involvement.Lead team meetings and serve as a key resource for the programs, addressing program-related questions and resolving problems. Develop clinical outreach strategies for research proposals.Develop presentations, surveys, analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and create written reports based on findings. Oversee students, volunteers, agencies and/or resource employees.Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.Requirements
The annual base salary range for this position is $78,772.39 - $120,000.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree; Combined education/experience as substitute for minimum experience Minimum Experience: 2 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Experience in clinical environments is required. Experience with community-serving organizations, such as federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and/or community clinics is required. Experience in community engagement and knowledge about clinical trials strongly favored. Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a wide range of constituents including healthcare providers, healthcare support staff and healthcare provider organizations. Experience building and maintaining favorable relationships with healthcare providers and organizations. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to network and build strong relationships with community healthcare organizations and healthcare clinics serving priority populations. Preferred Field of Expertise: An understanding and appreciation of the cultural vibrancy and historical significance of the local community. Demonstrated experience leading community outreach initiatives. Fluency in Spanish is highly desired for this position. Research experience in the field of cell and gene therapy is not required but would be considered a plus.